LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




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Simplicity Unveiled 



POEMS 



BY 



ANNIE THOMPSON 






j^W\ 0: 



INDIANAPOLIS 

DOUGLASS & CARLON, PRINTERS AND BINDERS 
1880 



r 



7^ 3^31 

Ti- 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1880, by 

Annie Thompson, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. 



to 

MRS. ZERELDA G. WALLACE, 

Wife of the late Governor David Wallace, o( the Stale of Indiana, 

A lady of most exemplary life and estimable 

qualities, 

A most devoted, enthusiastic and zealous advocate. 

Supporter and co-worker in the noble 

Temperance Cause, 

This little volume of poems is respectfully and 

affectionately 



Petlkntcil 



By The Author. 



Indianapolis, 

March 8, 18 



CONTENTS 



An Interview with Memory, . . . . .7 

Am I Forgotten ? . . . . . .9 

A Little Prayer, . . . . . . ,10 

Alone! Alone! . . . . . .11 

Baby 's Weary, . . . . , . .13 

Cheerfulness and Loneliness, .... 16 

Cousin Arthur, . . . . . . ,21 

Decided, ....... 22 

Ella, . . . . . . . .23 

Fallen, but Not Forsaken, ..... 24 

Freedom, . . . . . . .26 

I am an Heiress, ...... 27 

King Alcohol, ...... lOO 

Looking Beyond, ...... 30 

My Home is in Heaven, . . . . .31 

My Ideas are That, ...... 32 

Only a Fall, . . . . . . .35 

On the Death of a Beloved Friend, .... 36 

Ofttimes I 've Thought, . . . . . .38 

Only a Little Boy, ...... 60 

Powerless to Aid, . . . . . '39 



VI CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Parting Lines, ...... 42 

Pity's ♦' Kindness," . . . . . .45 

Rest, Sweet, Sweet Rest, ..... 49 

Scattered Thoughts : — 

June, . . . . . . .55 

To R. B., 55 

Nothing but Leaves, . . . .56 

Somebody Loves, ..... 56 

Mary, . . . . . . .57 

Flossie, ....... 57 

A Whisper, . . . . . . .58 

Only a Sigh, ...... 58 

Sweet Thought, . . . . . .59 

Of Home, ...... 59 

Save the Boys, . . . . . . .63 

Sorrow's Cup Ofttimes Runs Over, . . . .70 

Say not to Me, "You 're Not a Child," . . .71 
'Twas Christmas Morning, . , . . -73 

'Twas Christmas Evening, . . . . -75 

Those Pretty Blue Eyes, ..... 76 

Thou art Missed at Home, . . . . .78 

Too Busy, or does he Forget ? .... 80 

The Drunkard's Child, . . . . . .83 

Undying Love, ...... 94 

Valentine, . . . . . ■ .9^ 

Why Should We Forget ? ..... 92 

Yours Truly, ...... 103 



PREFACE 



Miss Annie Thompson, the writer of this petite, but charming 
volume of delicate and reverential poetry, is a native of Hastings 
county, Province of Ontario, Dominion of Canada, but removed 
to Indianapolis in 1876. Since the tender age of twelve years 
she has been seriously and painfully afflicted, her disease baf- 
fling the scientific skill of the best medical men of the profes- 
sion, who have finally pronounced her malady hopelessly incur- 
able. She is utterly incapable of all power of locomotion, 
experiences difficulty in the control and use of her hands and 
arms, though her verses were legibly written in her own penman- 
ship. She must, at all times, be conveyed by kind friends in 
a wheeling-chair. 

Having been visited by sore affliction at so early a period of 

, her life, she was denied the opportunities of an education such 
as her ambition and talents would certainly have demanded ; 

'hence, there is no assumption of classic elegance, and no claim 
to scholarly erudition urged to recommend her simple, chaste 
and spiritual songs. The knowledge she has gained, and the 
information she possesses, have been acquired by friction with 
other minds, by the exercise of the powers of observation, and 
calling into activity faculties which happily yet remain with her. 
Her poetry is characterized by an intense feeling, grace and 
simplicity that gush from an innocent and sympathetic heart, 
attuned to the music and melodies of the world. 



b PREFACE. 

Permanent affliction, one would suppose, would overwhelm 
the spirit and make it perpetually sad ; but not so in Miss 
Thompson's case, for in her saddest moods she pours forth, in 
verse, the brightest meanings of her soul. We select from a 
honey-comb of sweets the juice of a solitary cell : 

FREEDOM. 

My captive soul doth long to fly, 

On angel-wings so pure, 
To yonder mansion-home of mine, 

Where it could rest secure. 

I thirst for purity, and love, 

And freedom all combined ; 
Alas! on earth they can't be found — 

Must I, then, be resigned ? 

Resigned to what? to wait, of course, 
Till freed from all that's mortal ; 

Then I shall soar on angel-wings 
To yonder shining portal. 

We might quote other of her shorter poems, such as "Am I 
Forgotten," " My Home is in Heaven," etc., or make extracts 
from her longer ones, such as "I am an Heiress," "Save the 
Boys," etc., but the selection made will be sufficient to point to 
the poetic genius and apparent inspiration of the unfortunate 
writer. 

The principal portion of this dainty collection of poems was 
penned during the last twelve months, several of the temperance 
poems having appeared in the Monitor-Journal, published at 
Seymour, Ind. B. D. 







SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



AN INTERVIEW AVITH MEMORY. 

»|i,)^M sad, I'm very sad, 

And know not why it is ; 
When every one is glad, 
I should not feel like this. 

Memory ! art thou asleep? 

Arise ! thy aid I need ; 
Sit near me while I weep : 

To-day my heart doth bleed ! 



Go back ! go back once more 
To childhood's happy days, 

And pluck one fragrant flower, 
That I may on it gaze. 



SIMPLICITY UNVEILED, 

'* I am the staff of age/' 

Was memory's reply ; 
" Hope is thy guiding star > 

Canst thou on it rely ? 

" Go summon it at once ; 
Sit not in solitude. 
Bid it convey thee theuce^ 
To future's grand abode, 

" Its magnifying power — 
Rare, beautiful, sublime. 
Can captivate each hour. 
While youth is in its prime. 

" Call not on memory's aid, 

Sweet maiden, young and fair. 
Till rosy cheeks doth fade. 
And silver streaks thy hair."" 




AM I foegotten: 



AM I FORGOTTEN? 

ANY times I think and wonder, 
When alone from day to day, 

If there's anyone remembers 
" Little Annie/' far away. 



" Little me/' so sad and lonely, 
None to cheer my aching heart; 
None bnt Jesus, blessed Savior, 
Thou and I shall never part. 




10 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED, 

A LITTLE PRAYER. 

OFFERED MORNING AND NIGHT, 



H, Father, bless my brother dear, 
Where'er he is this morn — night ; 

Keep^him secure from every snare, 
Direct his steps from harm ; — aright*. 

And when on earth his work is done, 

The warfare at an end ; 
Take him to dwell with Thee above 

For Jesus' sake. Amen. 






alone! alone! 11 



ALONE! ALONE! 

TO ME. W. E. BEADSHAW, ON THE DEATH OF MES. E. 
BEADSHAW. 

PNE more loved one has passed away from our 
sight ; 
Once more the angel Death entered our dwel- 
ling by night, 
And clasping my darling in its icy embrace, 
Then soaring away to yon glorious place ; 
Thus, leaving me naught but the casket of clay 
To inter in the tomb till God calls it away. 

Death ! silent death, why didst thou leave me, I pray, 
To wander in solitude and darkness thro' the day? 
And when evening approaches, return to my home 
To find that the star in my heaven that shone 
Brightest is no longer visible to guide 
And to cheer me while sailing on life's ocean tide? 



« 



12 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Cruel death ! thus to rob me of all below, 

Leaving me mourning alone ! oh, death ! death ! cruel 

foe! 
Oh ! be merciful, angel, dark angel ! and come 
And bear me away to my own darling one ; 
This life is a desert to me now, she's gone ! 
I can not — how, oh ! how can I wander alone ! 





baby's" weary. 13 




"BABY'S" WEARY. 

When a brother neglects his little sister, ought we to be sur- 
prised at the child becoming weary ? Certainly not. 

Y dear brother, pause one moment, 

While I once more plead with thee ; 
Listen to the "baby's" calling. 
Though to you it simple be. 

She is growing weary, watching 

For the wanderer to come ; 
Oft I hear her say, " My brother, 

Wilt thou never more return ? " 

But to her there comes no answer ; 

No one listens to the child. 
All is silent, not a whisper ; 

E'en an echo is denied. 

She's at last become impatient — 
Nay, "discouraged," must I say?" 

Yes, I'm sorry, but can't help it^ — 
All her faith is swej^t away. 



14 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

'Tis a bitter word to utter ; 

I regret it — sadly, too — 
For you know when faith is shaken^ 

Naught can make it perfect — true, 

Chiklhood faith so pure and sacred, 

Dare another interfere? 
Dare the cruel monster, serpent, 

Poison all that's bright and clear ? 

Let me ask thee, now, my brother, 
Is the fault not partly thine ? 

Heretofore I've blamed the " tempter," 
And accused the sparkling wine. 

Not that I'm a friend to either 

Satan or his wily arts, 
Do I catechise my brother 

To secrete his fiery darts — 

Which so oft hath cruelly entered 
Just as noble hearts and brave 

As within thy breast lies beating; — 
Now they fill the drunkard's grave. 



"baby's" weary. * 15 

My dear brother will please pardon 

Every word that is too plain, 
Lest the earnest, anxious pleading 

Of thy sister be in vain. 

Oh, return ! don't wander longer ; 

Ways of sin the soul destroy. 
Come, and with us journey homeward; 

Come, accept eternal joy. 

Let the past be past forever, 

The future bright, not dreary ; 
And remember, mother's waiting 

Beyond, where none grow weary. 



G>^k 




16 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



CHEERFULNESS AND LONELINESS. 



ONELINESS will creep in, 
I However tight you bar 
The windows of your heart, 
Or lock the outer door. 

It has a seat within 

The hearts of age and youth, 
In which it sits and sighs. 

As happiness' reproof. 

We ofttimes say "depart!" 
But what doth it avail? 

Naught but a firm response, 
" I choose to carry sail." 

Now what is to be done? 

This guest must stay away; 
Let's see if we can't try 

And keep it out to-day. 



CHEERFULNESS AND LONELINESS. IT 

I've thought of something new, 

Which I believe is best 
To foil the daring monarch, 

Thus give us peace and rest. 

Amongst my many friends 
There's cheerfulness close by ; 

I'll go invite her in, 
Its seat to occupy. 

And when it comes and sees 

Another in its chair, 
It will not enter then, 

But pass on by the door. 

It may return — 'tis true — 

But then I need not fear 
If cheerfulness remains, 

It dare not venture near. 

You know it can't endure 

The smile of her sweet face,, 
Therefore 'twill quickly fly 

And seek another place. 



18 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

The victory will be won 
And we shall then be free, 

Yes, liberty be ours, 

Once more we'll happy be. 

I'll go at once and see 

If she will be my friend — 

But who comes at the door? 
It can not be the " fiend." 

No — no, the tap is soft, 

Like music sweet and clear ; 

It must be some one else, 
I need not start with fear — 

But haste at once and ope 
The windows and the door — 

But hark ! the rap is loud, 
Thrice louder than before. 

Oh ! me, what shall I do ? 

I'll cry aloud for aid; 
Help ! help ! come quick, come quick ! 

"What! little heart afraid? 



CHEERFULNESS AND LONELINESS. 19 

^' It's only cheerfulness 

In answer to your wish, 
Whom you have kept outside, 
Thinking 'twas loneliness. 

^' Please let me in or I 

Will frown and saucy be ; 
Here I have tapped and called, 
Till I am tired, to thee. 

'^ Where is the vacant chair 
Of your unwelcomed friend? 
I'll gladly it accept 

And little heart defend, 

^^ Why don't you answer me? 
Do I intrude to-day? 
Or have you changed your mind ? 
If so, I'll go away. 

^' I must be welcome here ; 

Come greet me with a smile. 
And let us happy be, 

While free from care and toil." 



20 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Yes, welcome " little one/' 
I'm happy when you're here- 

To roll the clouds away, 
And make my sky so clear. 

Cheerfulness, sweet sister, 
I owe it all to you; 

Your dear, bright, smiling face 
Bade loneliness "adieu." 




COUSIN ARTHUR. 21 



COUSIN ARTHUR. 

LOVE to sit and meditate 

Upon the days gone by, 
When you and I together sailed ; 

How happy then was I ! 

Those days are passed, ne'er to return, 

And I am far from you ; 
But still I will not — can't — forget 

Those eyes of violet hue. 

I ofttiraes think, would that we could 
Return to childhood's days. 

And, gathered in one little group. 
Resume our baby plays. 

But no, indeed, ray cousin dear. 
Our childish sports are o'er ; 

We've other offices to fill. 
Excelling baby lore. 



22 



SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



DECIDED. 




H, we might have been so happy, 
Had you only proven true ! 

But's too late ! my faith is shaken, 
And my hopes are withered, too. 



Faith so strong as mine to waver ? 

Hopes so bright, so pure to fade ? 
No ! this proud heart bids me banish 

Thee forever in the shade. 



ELLA. 23 




ELLA. 

^OU are not forgotten, darling; 
Although many miles away, 
Distance doth enchantment lend. 

To pierce our hearts from day to day. 

How can we forget our loved ones, 
Who are dear to us as life ? 

Ask your heart that is so tender. 
And the answer will be brief: 

When the stars doth cease to twinkle, 
And the sun no longer shines. 

Then — and only then our loved ones 
Can be blotted from our minds. 




24 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



FALLEN, BUT NOT FORSAKEN. 

H ! do not despond, my dear brother — look up ; 

Thou art fallen, alas ! it is true. 
But don't be discouraged ; remember thy God 

Is able to carry thee through. 



He's waiting and watching to welcome thee back ; 

Yes, e'en now he stands pleading for thee. 
How canst thou resist when so gently he calls, 

" Poor fallen one, come unto me. 

" I'll watch thee and keep thee, if only thou'lt tru*st 
In ray love and ray power as thy shield. 
. I'll stand by thy side through the battle of life, 
And be with thee on entering the field. 

"And after the battle is fought and is wqn, 
^ Then a life everlasting I'll give, 
Including a robe, crown of life and a palm. 
And take thee with Jesus to live." 



FALLEN, BUT NOT FORSAKEN. 25 

Come, stand up, dear brother, the promise is sure — 

For our Savior hath given his word. 
March into the field and the victory is yours ; 

Go forth in the strength of the Lord. 

And do not look back, but press forward thro' life ; 

Trust in Jesus and you are secure. 
The road may be rough and the journey seem long. 

Take courage, it soon will be o'er. 




26 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



Ml 




FREEDOM. 

Y captive soul doth long to fly, 

On angel wings so pure, 
To yonder mansion home of mine. 
Where it could rest secure. 



I thirst for purity and love, 

And freedom all combined. 
Alas ! on earth they can^t be found, 

Must I then be resigned? 

Resigned to what? To wait, of course, 
'Till freed from all that's mortal; 

Then I shall soar on angel wings 
To yonder shining portal. 



I AM AN HEIRESS. 27 



I AM AN HEIRESS. 

AM an heiress, rich and fair, 
To wealth untold. I shall soon repair 
To that grand and glorious mansion 
For which my Savior was the ransom, 
Upon Mount Calvary. 

I am an heiress. When this clay 
Shall moulder and back to dust decay, 
T shall be reigning yonder with Him — 
My Father, Brother, Savior and King, 
The Bridegroom's bride I'll be. 

I am an heiress, and shall wear 
Beautiful gems in ray shining hair; 
And my spirit bright shall ne'er grow old 
After it enters the spotless fold. 
In my Father's Kingdom. 



28 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

I am an heiress to a crown — 
That fadeth not — of life and renown, 
All decked with glittering stars so bright, 
That it wonld dazzle mortal sight 
Such beauty to behold ! 

I am an heiress, crowned at last. 
With a coronet of glory cast; 
Arrayed in robes of purest white, seen 
Not in Crystal Palace of the Queen — 
E'en Queen Victoria's. 

I am an heiress to greater wealth 
Than all this world, including health ; 
I would not exchange what I possess 
For all this life's false — false — happiness ; 
'Tis naught but vanity ! 

I am an heiress to that estate 
Where my Father reigns on his throne so great, 
Ruling the universe by his power, 
Preparing his children every hour 
For Heaven, future home. 



I AM AN HEIRESS. 29 

I am an heiress, sister to One, 
That blessed Jesus, our Father's Son, 
AVho bore the cross, despised the blame. 
Partook of poverty and shame, 
That I might be .forgiven. 

I am an heiress, and so are you 
My sister dear, and, my brother, too. 
Is an heir to that kingdom above. 
Where God reigns, swaying his sceptre love 
O'er our unworthiness. 

As heirs of Heaven, let us live 
In love and harmony, and forgive 
Each other's little "fault" and failing, 
And let us cheerfully go sailing 
To our inheritance. 



30 



SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 



OOKING beyond ! Yes, I'm looking beyond. 

At what are you looking, my friend? 
I see in the distance a beautiful light ! 
A beautiful light ! Yes a beautiful light ! in the end. 




A light in the distance ! Why, what can it be ? 

Vm told 'tis a city of gold ! 
A city of gold ! Why that can't be so ! 

Ah ! yes, it is so — it is certainly so — I am told ! 





MY HOME IS IN HEAVEN. 31 



MY HOME IS IN HEAVEN. 

HIS world is not my home, 

Nor do I wish to stay ; 
Ah, no ! this world is not my home, 

I have a home away — 
Beyond in that bright world above, 

Where all is joy and peace, 
And when my Father calls I'll go — 

Oh ! what a f weet release. 

This world is not my home ; 

I'm stopping for a day. 
Waiting 'till Jesus calls my name. 

And then I'll soar away. 
Yes, far away to Heaven above. 

That bright, that glorious home. 
And there I'll watch for those I love,. 

And meet them when they come. 



32 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 




MY IDEAS ARE THAT 

HERE'S something beautiful beyond 
The stars that shine so bright, 

Although we can not see so far 
While we are in the night. 

But when the morning doth appear, 

And we awake from sleep, 
What wond'rous beauties we'll behold — 

No more our eyes shall weep. 

No more our hungry hearts shall crave 

A morsel of the truth ; 
For naught but truthfulness abounds 

Up there. God's word is proof. 

E'en sighs shall ne'er escape us there ; 

Tears — yes, of joy — shall flow, 
As, hand in hand, with those we love, 

We're marching to and fro. 



MY idp:as aee that. 33 

Those that we love dearer than life 

Will join u.s in that land, 
Where separation hath not power 

To disunite our band. 

>i; ;•; ;ic * ;i^ * 

Eternity is surely ours; 

Now, where do we intend 
To dwell throughout eternity? 

Dear friends, " where shall we end ? " 

You say the question is profound, 

That no one really knows ; 
But I can guess by the remark 

Of Jesus at the close. 

Remark! Did I thus careless say? 

Nay, nay, 'twas a request ^ 

Depending on his Father's love 

To take him home to rest. 

" Father, into thy hands," he said, 
" My spirit I commend," 
Then meekly bowed his loving head — 
But that was not the end. 



34 



SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



" Where shall we end ? " I hear you cry. 
"Ah, yes ! an end must come ! '* 
But only to this mortal flesh — 
The spirit, it hath none. 





ONLY A FALL. 35 



ONLY A FALL * 

UE, brother, whom we dearly love, 

Has been assailed again 
By the " old tempter," Alcohol, 

The murderer of men. 

The struggle was a fearful one, 

In which our brother fell. 
But let us trust he'll rise again, 

And ride above the swell. 

Yes ; mount the waves with giant force, 

However high they roll, 
And foil the enemy with " hope," 

The rainbow of his soul. 



*And how many have fallen, almost gone beneath the surges ? 
Not one answers "L have not," but all, in chorus, "I, I, I; my 
pilgrimage is strewn with snares, and, lest I fall again, must 
watch." 




36 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



ON THE DEATH OF A BELOVED FRIEND. 



EAREST SANFORD'S gone and left us, 

'Tis a loss we'll ne'er forget ; 
He was loved by all that knew him, 

Many tears for him were wept. 

Our beloved one's gone before us 
To that glorious home so fair ; 

Yes, he's gone, dear friends, and left us. 
But he's waiting for us there. 

He is happy with the angels. 

Over on the golden shore, 
Singing praises to his Savior — 

With the loved ones gone before. 

Would, O, would you wish him back here. 
To this world of sin and woe? 

He's escaped a life of sorrow. 
Still 'tis hard to let him go. 



ON THE DEATH OF A BELOVED FRIEND. 37 

^' Noj no, no/' I hear you answer, 
" Call him not to earth again ; 
We'll prepare to meet him yonder 
In that world that's free from pain. 

" He was called for some wise purpose ; 
All his work is finished here, 
And he's gone to fill a mission 

In yon upper, brighter sphere." 1876. 




38 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

OFTTIMES I'VE THOUGHT. 

Nature hath formed strange fellow in her time. — Shakespeare. 



c..^^|li|HY did he sit beside my couch 

^j\l AW/5:^ And weep as though his heart would break ? 
Why did he clasp my hand and say, 
" My thoughts of thee I can't relate ? 

" I dare not tell thee, nay, my child, 

How oft, how much, I think of thee ; 
'Twere better far that I should not. 

But trust you'll ofttimes think of me." 

Why did I say, please do not weep; 

You must not sorrow thus for me? 
Oh ! tell me naught ; I can not hear ; 

My thoughts are thine in "sympathy." 



(^^ '"^(^^^^^^ijiT ral '^ 



POWEllLESS TO AID. 



39 



POWERLESS TO AID. 

m^yl^ ^^^ can we say more than we've said? 

What can we do more than we've done? 
'We can not call upon the dead 

And say, " Oh, mother, save thy son ! " 
Because we love him. 

We dare not say that God's unjust — 
Our loving God whom we adore; 

Ah, no! for in his word we trusts- 
He's said he'd bring us safely o'er, 
And we believe him. 



How can we plead with those we love 
When they refuse to hear our cry ? 

They even shun us, which doth prove 
They pass our little missives by — 
We fear — unheeded. 



40 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

How oft we've watched with tear-filled eye, 
And throbbing heart that beat so true, 

Our brother as he floated by 

Beyond our reach, within our view. 
Powerless to aid him. 

How oft we've mourned in sorrow deep. 
Beneath yon stars and shining moon, 

Entreating Heaven, her vigil keep, 

And guard from harm our darling one. 
Because we loved him. 

Finding at last 'tis vain to mourn, 
'Tis folly thus to waste our time ; 

We leave him now with Christ alone. 
Trusting in naught but power divine, 
To save the fallen. 

Our grand desire we've placed on high, 
Before the throne of Him we serve. 

And ask, with earnest, anxious cry. 

Father, please grant what we deserve — 
Not what we ask for. 



POWERLESS TO AID. 



41 



But oh ! do save our brother, dear, 
From alcohol, the tempter, slave ; 

Restore him to our " band " once more, 
And may he in our midst stand brave 
And fight for vict'ry. 

And when from earth we're called away 
To join the happy throngs above, 

Oh, may we to that mother say, 

We've brought to you your boy, you love; 
Thy prayers are answered. 




42 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 




PARTING LINES. 

HEN you read these lines of parting, 

I'll be far from friends and home ; 
i 
But I'll ne'er forget you — never! 

While on earth I'm doomed to roam. 

You have been to me a brother 
When no other friend was near ; 

For your kindness God will bless you, 
And reward you, never fear. 

Sad to part, but oh ! the meeting, 

That I look to by and by. 
Cheers my heart and bids me onward 

To that home beyond the sky. 

Life is short when at the longest. 
Soon the journey will be o'er; 

Then we'll go to dwell with Jesus 
Over on the shining shore. 



PARTING LINES. 43 

If I reach that kind before you, 

I will search the city through, 
Till I find that angel mother, 

Then I'll speak to her of you. 

I am sure that she will love me. 

When I tell her that her boy 
Is now on the road to Heaven ; 

How 'twill fill her soul with joy. 

Then when I have met my Savior, 

I will not forget to say 
That I have a dear, dear brother, 

In the world so far away. 

And I'll ask him to watch o'er you, 
Keep you from the tempter's snare, 

Clasp his loving arms around you. 
And protect you everywhere. 

Then at last, when life is ended, 

And the toilsome warfare o'er. 
Bring you safely to the city, 

Where we'll meet to part no more. 



44 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Don't you long to go, dear brother, 
To our Father's home above, 

Where you'll meet that dear, dear mother, 
Whom on earth you dearly loved ? 

I believe that at this moment 

She is looking from on high, 

And can almost hear her whisper, 

"God, protect my darling boy." 

Farewell, brother, and God bless you ; 

We may never meet, 'tis true. 
In this world of sin and sorrow, 

But we'll meet beyond. Adieu. 

1877, 





pity's kindness. 45 



PITY'S "KINDNESS." 

To one who said, "I was never in love in my life." 

WAS Pity's hand, 

Not Cupid's dart, 
That touched the kind 
And generous heart 
Of one that " never loved." 

Yes, Pity, thou — 

And thou alone. 
Can pierce a heart. 

Be it of stone. 
E'en though it "never loved." 

Oh ! heart of hearts, 
That knows not love, 

I pity thee ! 
I can't approve 

The heart that " never loved." 



46 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Oh ! what is life 

Without its love? 
Naught, naught to me 

A blank 'twould prove, 
If I had " never loved." 

Go search thy heart, 

'Tis not of steel, 
'Tis noble ! true ! 

And 'twill reveal 
Your mother, once you loved. 

Now, that you've loved, 

You can't deny, 
No more than you 

Can tell me why • 
You think you've " never loved." 

Excuse me, sir. 

And let me say, 
My friend, you are 

In love to-day. 
And in return are loved. 



pity's kindness. 47 

You may not know, 

No more than I, 
Who drops a tear 

And oft a sigh 
For him that " never loved." 

Kind pity, with 

Her gentle hand, 
Knocked at thy heart; 

At her command 
You sympathized, not loved. 

Thy sympathy 

Was recognized, 
And, in return. 

We sympathized; 
But rivals thought we loved. 

They did not know. 

In days gone by, 
This little heart 

Was sealed, ere I 
Saw him that " never loved." 



48 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Now rest content, 
Whoe'er you be, 
• Think not that I 

Would envv thee 
A heart that "never loved. '^ 

And, " noble youth," 

I say to you, 
My " sweetheart " he 

Is brave and true ! 
And proudly says, " I've loved." 

Nor would he grieve 

Me by a word 
That he, through 

Jealousy, had heard. 
Like one that " never loved. 



-^ ••°-°^^}°'°" >- 




REST, SWEET, SWEET EEST. 



BEST, SWEET, SWEET EEST. 



Ready the father is to own 
And kiss his late returning son ; 
Ready your loving Savior stands, 
And spreads for you his bleeding hands. 

— C. Wesley. 

OME, my brother, 

Look up, I pray. 
And cast this world 

Of care away. 
And trust iu Jesus, do ! 

Don't you think it 

Is safer, far, 
To trust in Jesus 

Every hour. 
Relying not on self? 

For on self you 

Can not depend; 
You can not call 

Yourself your friend. 
For none but God is true. 



49 



• 



50 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED'. 

Come at onoe, it 

Is time to rest; 
Lean your head on 

The Savior's breast, 
And safely there repose- 
Sheltered in his 

Protecting arms ; 
Saved ! saved at last ! 

No dread alarms, 
No death beyond the tomb. 

Naught, naught but joy, « 

And peace, and love; 

Oh ! who would miss 
That home above 

For this short stay below? 

I hear you say, 
"Not I! Not I! 
Ten thousand worlds 

Would I deny 
For but one glimpse of Heaven."" 



REST, SWEET, SWEET REST. 51 

Yes, yes, dear friend ; 

But think again — 
Forever with 

The King to reign — 
Unutterable joy ! 

Oh ! land of rest, 

I sigh for thee ; 
Oh ! when shall my 

Bound soul be free 
To swell the angels' song? 

When shall I reach 

Fair Heaven's land ? 
When God says come. 

At his command 
I'll go. Oh ! blessed thought. 

E'en now, by faith. 

My spirit flies 
On angel wings 

Beyond the skies, 
Almost in sight of " Home." 



52 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

I now return, 

And wish to say, 
My brother, dear. 

Stay not away 
From Christ, but come and rest. 

Vanity! this 

World's nothing more ; 
Iso treasure doth 

It lay in store 
For those who love its ways. 

No mansion fair, 

No home above; 
No hope of seeing 

Those we love ; 
Extends earth's emperor. 

Thank God ! I know 

You've made your choice ; 

You've barkened to 
The Savior's voice. 

And given him your heart. 



REST, SWEET, SWEET REST. 53 

I always knew 

God loved you best, 
And soon M'ould say : 

" My son, there's rest ; 
Wilt thou be reconciled ? " 

" Yes, reconciled. 

Dear Lord, to thee ; 
I'm willing now 

Thy child to be. 
Unworthy ! yes, but saved ! " 

Rest, sweet, sweet rest, 

May it be thine ; 
God bless you and 

Prepare a shriue 
Celestial, for thy soul. 

And when again 
You hear him say, 
" My son, arise ! 

Thy night is day ; 
Come home, the vict'ry's won ! " 



54 



SIMPLICITY UNVPHLED. 



You'll not regret 

The welcome voice — 

That you accepted 
Wisdom's choice — 

But gladly say, " I'll come." 








SCATTERED THOUGHTS. 



JUNE 




RIGHT June we welcome thy return, 

If thou art still the same; 
If not, we can but welcome thee 
"^Cause" thou dost bear the name 
Of June. 



TO R. B. 



I hear the music of the chimes, 

In the vine covered church o'er the way, 
And fresh to my memory their melody brings 
Pleasure that's passed far away, 
Never again to return. 
Farewell ! 



56 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



NOTHING BUT LEAVES. 

Nothing but leaves that fade and drop 

When autumn days appear; 
Nothing but dust, this mortal flesh 
Must die and disappear. 



"SOMEBODY" LOVES. 

Pure as the spotless lily, 

Whiter than snow, 
Clear as the crystal stream 

From yonder fount doth flow. 
Bright as yon evening star 
That sparkles above, 
Such are my thoughts for thee^ 
My first, my only love. 



SCATTERED THOUGHTS. 57 



MARY. 



9 



Come once more and sit beside me, 
For I love to have you near ; 

Love to hear you talk of heaven — 
How it doth my spirits cheer. 



FLOSSIE. 

Beneath the boughs of a Christmas tree, 

In a willow basket, all lined with down, 
Lay a little cherub with dimpled cheeks, 
The dearest, sweetest child in town — 
At least its papa thought so. 



(S^n 



58 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



A WHISPER. 

Thou art not alone, my darlings 
For I'm with thee; even now 

I hear the beating of thy heart, 
I see the care upon thy brow. 
Of our loved ones. 



ONLY A SIGH. 

Why do I sigh and say "poor me?'' 
All's for the best, so let it be, 
And I'll not murmur more. 



->- 



SCATTERED THOUGHTS. 59 



SWEET THOUGHT. 

Oh ! how sweet 'twill be to meet above, 
In our Father's home on high, 

Old familiar friends and loved ones, 
Never more to say "good by." 



OF HOME. 

I think of ray dear friends at home ; 
Yes, many times, when all alone, 
And no one else is near. 

I hope to meet them by and by, 
In that bright world beyond the sky, 
Where all is pure and clear. 



60 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



"ONLY A LITTLE BOY." 

•'When you become better acquainted with me you will find 
that I'm only a little boy" are the words of dear "brother," who 
had cast aside his sin-stained garments; and after being thoroughly 
cleansed in the precious blood of Christ, and arrayed in Christian 
uniform, had marched into the battlefield, bearing a shining buck- 
ler on which was inscribed this motto : " I am on the Lord's 
side." 

When we are on the Lord's side we are his children, and can 
truthfully say " I'm only a little girl, I'm only a little boy." 



mmi 



OU will find that I'm oiilv a little boy. 



ai>.5j(tya-C'« 



E^ Though years have proclaimed me a man ; 
I followed their dicttites and played the ' old 
part, 
While I thirsteil for boyhood again. 

" Many years of my life I trifled away — 
Sin's pleasures to me were so dear — 
Little thinking that Christ, in his infinite love, 
To a poor ruined soul would appear. 



ONLY A LITTLE BOY. 61 

" But he beckoned me pause, and reached forth his 
hand — 

That hand with the nail-prints of love ; 
And smiled as he said, ' My son come with me, 

Thy mother is waiting above.' 

" My mother is waiting above ! I exclaimed ; 

That mother whose last words were these ; 
' Remember our boy, Oh ! don't give him up ! ' 

God will save, if he to him flees. 

" Yes, I will go with thee, dear Jesus, I cried ; 

The path of destruction and sin 
Shall be trodden no longer, by me, dear Lord, 

If thou will but let me come in. 

" I gave him my hand, and he led me forth to 

A fountain of water so bright; 
Then raising me gently in his loving arms. 

Bade me drink, be whole, and be white. 

" Yes, I drank of that stream, that life-giving stream, 

And to-night, a saved man am I ; 
My dear mother's Savior redeemed me from sin ; 

Her prayers were accepted on high." 



62 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Ay ! I know it all now, and, plainly can see 

Why he said, " I'm only a boy;" 
He had left the cold world and dismal sea, 

And his barque was floating in joy. 

In the channel of love that empties in life, 

The city Jerusalem new. 
He's sailing along and forgets not to shout, 

" My sister, my brother, come too ! " 

" Only a boy" — a child in the heart, my friends- 
Though a man long, long years ago ; 

And we love him because he is God's own child- 
" Only a little boy," you know. 




SAVE THE BOYS. 63 



"SAVE THE BOYS." 

Note. — [The following poem was suggested to the writer by the 
presence and words of a man at one of the temperance meetings 
held in the city of Indianapolis, at which I was present, during 
the year 1879. I can not in words picture the scene or the effect 
that will long linger in the memories of the audience who knew 
and witnessed the language and countenance of this man, whose 
sad reflection fell like a shadow on the hearts of those assembled 
on this occasion, and whose appeals to the temperance workers for 
the safety of the young evinced a pathos and heartfelt anxiety 
which we would were impressed upon the minds of every man and 
woman in the land.] 



OR God's sake save the boys ! 

And let the old ones go ; 
You can not help us — 'tis too late — 

We're doomed to endless woe. 
Beyond the reach of man — 

Beyond the power of heaven ! 
I say to-night, we're lost ! we're lost ! 

Can never be forgiven. 




M SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Our health, our wealth and homes 

We've sacrificed for rum, 
Until we're buried in the depths 

From whence no drunkards come. 
Oh ! would to God this night 

I were a temperance man ; 
Oh ! could I sign this pledge of truth 

And bravely with you stand. 

But, nay, it is too late ; 

I'm now past forty-five ; 
Don't think of me, I'm but a wreck, 

But save, do save the boys ! 
Don't let them with us go — 

Reach forth a helping hand — 
Secure them, ere it be too late. 

Within the temperance band. 

Such were the words I heard 
The twenty-third of May, 

Within this hall of liberty, 
From one who went astray. 



SAVP] THE BOYS, 65 

He said, " In days of youth 

I was a happy boy, 
With prospects bright and promising, 

Tlie world seemed full of joy. 

" No clouds were in my sky. 

The sun did brightly shine, 
Until a little speck appeared 

Within a glass — 'twas wine ! 
I raised it to my lips, 

I drained the fatal cup ; 
That's brought me here, just as you see — 

A fallen, hopeless wreck." 

Sad words! they pierced my heart; 

It bled afresh to think 
That God's grand workmanship divine 

Must ruined be by drink. 
It must not, shall not be ; 

My brethren, let us stand 
United in our work of love. 

Ready at God's command. 



66 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

We're marching slow but sure ; 

We're gaining ground each day ; 
My friends, the vict'ry shall be ours — 

Be sober, watch and pray. 
You know our Captain's just, 

Kind, merciful and true ; 
He will entrust to us his boys. 

And bring the old ones too. 

No, do not think because 

You haveno faith in self 
That you have passed beyond the gate 

Of everlasting life. 
No, no, my brother dear ; 

The door stands open wide; 
Do you not see the pierced hands, 

A bleeding, wounded side? 

It was not for the saved 

That Christ came from above. 

Ah, no ! but for poor fallen man 
He gave his life of love. 



SAVE THE BOYS. 67 

Before the throne he stands, 

Pleading for ns on high. 
" Return," he says, " and follow me, 

And you shall never die." 

Forsake the slipp'ry path 

That down to ruin leads. 
The bar-room and the tempting glass, 

And shun all evil deeds. 
Resolve this night to come 

And with us journey through ; 
We'll do you all the good we can, 

That's possible to do. 

If there be one unsaved 

Within this hall to-night. 
We gladly offer you our hands — 

Do, come with us unite. 
Come, sign the temperance pledge, 

And to our numbers add. 
And to your homes take happiness — 

Make wives and mothers glad. 



68 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

My friends, please don't stand back ; 

Don't shun us 'cause you drink ; 
Because you've fallen many times, 

You can not rise, don't think. 
You can be saved, and must ! 

We will not let you go. 
Come, hearken to our anxious call ; 

Begin to-night anew. 

And say, " by God's help, boys, 

So long as life doth last, 
I ne'er shall drink another drop, 

That's blighted all the past ; 
But, true to God and man, 

And true to all that's true, 
I'll come and join the noble band 

And w^ear the ribbon blue. 

" I'll be a useful man. 

My life shall not be blank ; 

Right here I'll put the armor on,. 
March forward in the rank. 



SAVE THE BOYS. 6& 

You shall not hear me say 

To any one, ' I'm lost ! ' 
For I am saved, I'm saved, I'm saved ! 

' The last bridge has been crossed.' " 

Oh ! how 'twould cheer our hearts, 

And bid our spirits rise, 
To see the "old ones" coming in 

To help us " save the boys." 
Now, brothers, let us work 

While there is work to do ; 
Let every soldier be on guard. 

The enemy's in view. 

Unfurl the banner, boys, 

And let our colors wave ; 
Show to the world we're marching forth 

Our fellow men to save. 
The battle soon will end, 

The victory be won. 
Then we will lay our weapons by 

To wear a golden crown. 



70 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



SORROW'S CUP OFTTIMES RUNS OVER. 



i^P^NOTHER drop to the bitter cup! 



'Tis almost to the brim, 
And 'round its edge, tossed to and fro, 

This little heart must swim. 
Why? Because it can not sink beneath 

The dregs which buoy it up. 
Float on, lone little captured one, 

Now that thou'rt in the cup ; 
'Tis only thy sad lot. 




SAY NOT TO ME, " YOU'rE NOT A CHILD." 71 



SAY NOT TO ME, " YOU'RE NOT A CHILD." 

"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall 
not enter into the kingdom of neaven." Mat. xviii.: 3. 

AM a little child, a child of God ; 
l(£, His spirit dwells within this heart of mine, 
Bidding me trim my feeble light. 
And keep it burning day and night, 
That it may cast one little ray 
Of sunshine on the narrow way. 
Leading to Mount Zion. 

Oh, would you quench the little torch ? 

Have you the heart to grasp it, cruel hand ! 
Because the world can not endure 
The sacred flame that shines so pure? 
God wdll not permit, 'tis mine ; 
My only mission is to shine — 

A glow-worm on the land. 



72 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Oh ! let mc be a child ; 
Tis' all I ask of thee, vain world — 

^Tis all thou canst bestow. 
Of all that's grand and beautiful 
I covet naught below. 

Oh ! let me be a child. 

Don't tell me that I'm not a child ; 

Don't say that years have powder 
To dispossess me of my right 

And crush me in one hour. 
Don't say this world thinks not as I, 

This world that's naught to me ; 

I care not for its gayety ; 

Its arts I plainly see. 

November 18, 1879. 



'Sii 



->- 



'twas CHRISTMAS MORNING. 73 



'TWAS CHRISTMAS MORNING. 

^"Twas a wonderous little fellow, with a dainty double-chin, 
And chubby cheeks, and dimples for the smiles to blossom in ; 

And he looked as ripe and rosy, on his bed of straw and reeds, 
As a mellow little pippin'that had tumbled in the weeds, " 

— /. l^F. Riley. 



?N a manger lay our Savior, 

Whom the prophets had foretold, 
Would descend to earth from Heaven 
And gather in the fold — 

The scattered flock of Israel. 

In the east his star was shining 
Bright as Summer's noonday sun, 

Guiding the shepherds forward 
To the babe in Bethlehem 

That was lying in the manger. 



74 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Oh ! that blessed little baby ; 

Wonder if his eyes were blue, 
And if little golden ringlets 

Danced around his forehead, too. 
Never was there such a baby. 

Never ! that we've ever read of, 

Moses was a goodly child ; 
Little Samuel was God's chosen. 

Still they both were sin-defiled ; 

Each partook of Adam's nature. 

But God's Son, whom he called Jesus, 

Came directly from the throne 
To redeem us. Not an angel 

Such a character had shown 

As that babe within the manger. 

" Peace on earth, good will toward men, " 
Sang "the Heavenly host" that morn. 

To God, ''Glory in the highest," 
That a holy child was born 

On Christmas — 'twas Christmas morning. 



'twas CHRISTMAS EVENING. 75 



'TWAS CHRISTMAS EVENING. 

Merry Christmas morning past, 

Little hearts are full of glee, 
While papa, with torch in hand. 

Lights the candles on the tree. 

^^ENEATH the boughs 
^^JP Of a Christmas tree, 
In a willow basket, 

Lined with down. 
Lay a little " cherub " 

As snug's could be, 
Wrapped in a snow white 

'Broidered gown ; 
A " cute " little sack. 

Of rose-bud hue, 
Sent by grandmama 

From " Boston town," 
Lent an extra charm 

To those bright eyes blue, 
Those dimpled cheeks 

And curls of brown. 1877. 



76 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

THOSE PRETTY BLUE EYES. 

TO COUSIN ARTHUR. 

^'M lonely this evening, dear cousin, 

My thoughts are of home and of thee, 
'And I ask myself over and over, 

Is any one thinking of me ? 
Or, have you forgotten the absent • 

Midst pleasures and joys which arise ? 
Do you cast me one side, in the background. 

From the sight of those pretty blue eyes? 

Oh ! do not forget me entirely. 

As you mingle with those who are gay. 
But reserve in your bosom just one thought 

For her who is far, far away. 
And waft it along on the breezes, 

As they float 'neath the western skies ; 
Send also a kiss and a smile, love, 

Just fresh from tlio.se pretty blue eyes. 



THOSE PRETTY BLUE EYES. 77 

I bid you " good night," dearest cousin, 

As the hour for retiring is here ; 
Oh ! may happy dreams visit your pillow, 

Of "somebody" you love so dear; 
And, as you are passing through dreamland, 

Should you meet any one in disguise, 
'Twill be "Annie," your own little cousin, 

In search of those pretty blue eyes. 

June, 1876. 




SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



THOU ART MISSED AT HOME. 



TO S. P. 




HE house is so lonely since thou art away, 
Thou art missed by the loved ones at home ; 

The sound of thy footsteps no longer is heard^ 
And vacant's thy chair in the room. 



We miss thee at morning, at noon and at night, 
And often times would thou wert here 

To cheer and to comfort the hearts that are sad 
From thinking of him we love dear. 

We miss thee, we miss thee ; ah ! yes, it is true, 
Thou art with us in memory to-day ; 

We speak of thee often, and wish thee success, 
While from us you wander away. 



THOU ART MISSED AT HOME. 7^ 

We long for the hour to draw near when our boy 
Will return and be with us once more ; 

How soon we'll forget that we've missed him at all, 
When he enters our open door. 

The past will be past, the present be ours, 
The future — how bright it will seem ! 

We'll all be so happy to welcome thee home 
That thy absence will be but a dream. 

We commend thee to Him who hath promised to 
guide 

And protect thee when danger is near ; 
Yes, into his care we have left thee, my child. 

Without a regret or a fear. 

For we know that our Heavenlv Father knows 
best. 
Though to have you away seemeth hard ; 
But we are resigned, and can cheerfully say. 
Not ours, but the will of the Lord 

Be done. 3Iay 8, 1879. 



80 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



TOO BUSY, OR DOES HE FORGET? 

TO A FRIEND. 

^K^^ONDAY, Tuesday, Wednesday, 
And still he comes not near ; 
'It must be that he's busy — 
He can't forget I'm Jiere. 

He is aware I watch 

With patience all the day, 

Happy to think he's coming — 
Still he remains away. 

He knows I'm but a child. 
In faith, hope, love and truth 

I love him as a brother. 
My faithfulness is proof. 



TOO BUSY, OR DOES HE FORGET? 81 

This little heart of mine — 

So ready to believe — 
Would rather break than doubt him; 

The thought doth make it grieve. 

He is so kind, so good, 

Noble and true combined ; 
How dare I dare to judge him 

Or even fault to find ? 

I will believe him true 

And earnest, till I know 
He is no longer truthful. 

But false to all below. 

Poor little wounded heart ! 

I hear it faintly say, 
"And even then I'll beat for him 

Though he be far away. 

" I can't so soon forget 

Remembrance that made. 
My faith too strong to waver. 

And hopes too bright to fade." 



82 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Oh ! can we not find one 

True friend beneath the sun? 

To me there comes an answer, 
" Alas ! ^tis seldom one. " 

From this time forth I'll try 
Be patient, calm, and wait ; 

Trusting my brother's busy. 
Knowing he can't forget. 



*"^Jf 



1879. 



THE DRUNKAED's CHILD. 83 



THE DRUNKARD'S CHILD. 

I^^II^ARLY, early Sunday morning, 
^g Ere the day began to dawn, 
' Passed I by a lonely cottage. 
Barely shelter from the storm. 

Why I paused, I can not answer. 
But I turned and looked amazed 

When I saw a dim light burning 
And the curtain partly raised. 

Then the door was thrown wide 0}>en 
And a little form appeared 

With its slender arms extended. 
And, "papa," I faintly heard. 

I am not your pa, dear angel. 
But a stranger passing by; 

You are looking for your father — 
I can tell it by your cry. 



84 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Oh ! I am so tired and lonely 
After watching all the night; 

Will you come in, "Mr. Stranger/' 
And remain till it is light? 

Father heard my prayer in Heaven — 
Mamma said he always would — 

And he's sent you here this morning 
'Cause I tried to be so good. 

With my little heart I trusted 
All night long while here alone, 

For I know my blessed Savior 

Will soon come and take me home. 

Papa does neglect so often. 
And forget that I am here. 

That I fear he does not love me 
Half as well as rum and beer. 

He has been from home since morning,. 

But of course it's nothing new. 
Many times I sit and listen 

Till the hours of one and two. 



THE DRUNKAED's CHILD. 85 

Then he comes, but, oh ! 'tis awful ! 

How he looks with blood-shot eye, 
And his clothes so soiled and tattered 

That I can not help but cry. 

Then you know I get discouraged 

And I long to fly away ; 
Then I think what mamma told me, 

That she hoped he'd quit some day. 

But, I fear that he will never 

Be a sober man again, 
While they make that poison liquor 

That has slain so many men. 

Let us go as soon 'tis morning 

To the grog-shop o'er the way, 
And entreat my dear, dear father. 

From that den to come away. 

You will be my friend, kind stranger; 

I have watched you all the while, 
And I know your heart is tender, 

By the sweetness of your smile. 



86 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Yes, my darling, I'll protect you, 
A true friend I'll ever be; 

I your father, you my daughter, 

From this hour you'll live with me. 

Oh ! you are so kind, dear stranger. 
And I thank you from my heart. 

But you know I love my papa, 
And from him I can not part. 

And he loves his little Nellie, 

Only when he drinks strong beer. 

Why do people give it to him 

When they know that I am here? 

Don't you think it's very wicked. 
When they know I'm all alone, 

For to give my papa whisky 
And to send him reeling home? 

Yes, my child, 'tis more than wicked; 

It's a cruel, bitter sin ! 
But, alas ! how little care they 

How much suffering they bring. 



THE drunkard's CHILD; 87 

'Tis your father's money, Nellie,. 

They are looking for with care, 
Little thinking that their folly 

Here is catching them in snare 

Out of which naught can release them, 
Till before their judge they come. 

Then they'll hear the awful sentence, 

" Follow them you've served with rum." 

Let us go at once, dear Nellie; 

Time flies rapidly — 'tis day. 
We will go and find your father, 

Then I'll hasten on my way. 

But you will not leave me, will you — 

Even if it be quite late — 
Until we have found my papa 

And have brought him to the gate? 

This way, please, don't go yonder !. 

For the man behind the bar 
Always looks so very angry 

When he sees me at the door. 



88 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Do not tremble, little angel, 
I am with you now, don't fear, 

But stand bravely and speak firmly, 
Ask them if your father's here. 

Please, sir, has my papa been here? 

He's been gone since yester-morn ; 
All night long I've watched his coming, 

Even until morning dawn. 

I can wait no longer — speak, sir ! 

He was here last eve, I know. 
Tell me quickly; I am fainting. 

Something says " he's dead ! " Oh ! no. 

In my arms the child lay fainted. 
While the answer came, with sneer : 

"No; your father, that low drunkard, 
Now lies dead — he is not here. 

" He was found out there at midnight, 
By the door of my saloon, 
And was borne at once to inquest. 
Where you'll see him just at noon." 



THE drunkard's CHILD. 89 

There I stood and gazed in wonder 

At the calmness of the man — 
Unconcerned and unpretending — 

Just as though he'd had no hand 

In the death of that poor mortal 

That was hurried to the tomb 
By the use of rum and whisky, 

Bought, no doubt, at his saloon. 

Wretched man ! can you stand boldly ? 

In your heart is there no pang? 
Or has it become too hardened 

By your cursed practice crime ! 

I could picture to you, plainly. 

Scenes in which a part you've played 

That would j)ieree the heart of Pharaoh, 
And the rainbow tempt to fade. 

But the painting would prove fruitless; 

Why should I be wasting time. 
When my Heavenly Father bade me, 

" Cast not pearls before swine?" 



90 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Then I turned and left the dungeon ; 

Filled with horror and disdain 
At the sight that I had witnessed, 

Caused by my own fellow-men. 

To my home I carried Nellie, 
But she only stayed a day, 

When her loving Savior called her 
To that glorious home, away. 

Now I've told to you my story 
Just as it appeared to me ; 

You may smile and say " 'tis fiction," 
But with you I don't agree. 

Let me say to all that hear me, 
With my whole heart full of love. 

Do not tamper with the wine-cup, 
For it will your ruin prove, 

As it did poor Nellie's father. 

Who was once so kind and mild; 

But he fell, alas ! and Nellie 

Bears the name of drunkard's child. 



VALENTINE. 91 

VALENTINE. 

DEAR OLD MONITOR-JOURNAL. 

Dear gem of brightness — value, too — 

Thy qualities are unconcealed 
By those who love and honor you; 

By rivals they are unrevealed. 

5^''0HOOSE you for my valentine, 
Dear old Monitor-Journal true, 
'Because you are opposed to wine 

(Remember this is leap-year, too), 
Because you advocate what's just; * 

Because you give us back our own. 
Telling them not in rum to trust. 
But go respectfully alone. 

I choose you for my valentine. 

Dear old Monitor-Journal — brave, 
Because you bring to us sunshine, 

And shield the drunkard from the grave ; 
The drunkard's grave — casket of fruit 

Which drops from the fermented vine, 
And disappears forever — mute; 

Thou'rt worthy of my valentine. 1880. 



92 



SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



WHY SHOULD WE FORGET ? 




HY should we forget 
That our sky was once clear ? 
Our rainbow of hope 
Rose in childhood so bright, 
And arched o'er our youth, 
With its promises dear, 
Forgetting to warn 
Us dark shadows would blight. 



Why should we forget 
In our life, one bright spot — 
Our happy school days ? 
Oh ! bright, shadowless morn ; 
Our books, then dinners ; 
Then away to what not. 
Our ropes, marbles, swings. 
Balls and tops, like a storm. 



WHY SHOULD WE FORGET. 5)3^ 

Why should we forget 
Our companions of youth, 
Who, in concert, liave 
■ Joined our favorite games ? 
Little love letters, 
Tiny missives, as proof 
Admirers we had — 
But we'll not report names. 




S4 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 



UNDYING LOVE. 

"Alas! I have no power to choose, 

Love is not at my will ; 
I say I must be careless, cold. 

But find I love thee still." 



— Miss Landon. 




NDYING love ! What doth it mean ? 

Are we to understand 
That love, once kindled in the heart, 

Becomes a quenchless brand? 

" Yes, verily ; " where love exists — 
True love — no power can quench 

Or stay its flame ; 'tis merciless ; 
It searches every trench ; 

Completely undermines the heart ; 

Constructs itself a throne, 
And bids the intellect submit 

To fancies of its own. 



UNDYING LOVE. 95 

Doth it not ofttimes visit hearts, 

E-emain their guest a while, 
And join in pleasant tete-a-tete 

In friendship's social style ? 

'" Undying love ! squanders no time ; 

No social calls it makes, 
But steals within unguarded hearts, 

And true affection w^akes." 

Love's been my guest — I'm sure 'twas love, 

Not only once, but twice; 
I might add one, just one more time; 

Yes, that will make it " thrice." 

"Thrice loved was I, and in return, 

Of course, I breathed a sigh — 
And even loved, because — because 

I have a heart, that's why. 

But time and distance have erased, 

Almost from memory's sky. 
Each one in turn, my guiding stars, 

That twinkled bright and high. 



96 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Now, you contend, undying love 
Once centered in the heart, 

Ascends the throne, and dons the crown, 
Direct from Cupid's dart. 

"Undying love dieth not out; 

Thrice loved you may have been, 
And thrice forgotton those that loved 

You in return, again. 

" But was it love, real, true, true love, 
Unshadowed, bright and clear? 

Or merely admiration's smile 
Or friendship's tie more dear ? 

" Friendship and admiration die, 
"When needed most their aid ; 

Undying love, beams bright above 
The graves in which they're laid, 

" If you have loved, and really loved, 
Go search thy lofty heart ; 

Concealed within a curtain-fold 
You'll find the hidden spark. 



UNDYING LOVE. 97 

'^ Remove the ashes of neglect, 

While mem'ry shakes the grate ; 
Then fan it with one little sigh, 

If you a flame would wake." 

Turning to my own self again ; 

Closely I scanned this heart ; 
To my surprise I discovered 

Three, but One brighter spark. 

One moment in wonder I gazed, 

Three sparkling stars to see ; 
And letters, glass, silver and gold. 

Shining above the three. 

" This glass spark is admiration; 

Flattering little speck ; 
Only true as 'tis my nature, 

I merely shine to deck. 

" This one is of purest silver. 

Though dim's become my hue ; 
Negligence will tarnish metal ; 

I'm friendship, pure and true. 



98 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

" This one is of gold, untarnished, 

Engraven you will find 
'Undying love,' on my great throne; 

And 'round thy heart I'm twined."' 

True, there they were wrapt in a robe,.. 

The dusty gown neglect; 
Calling forth every fiber-thought, 

I bade them go reflect. 

Go reconsider and consult 

This matter, then return ; 
If your report says "true, true gems,'^" 

Quench not, but let them burn. 

Undying love, we're all convinced, 
Reigns in the heart supreme ; 

We can't oppose true nature's law, 
Too delicate 's the theme. 

I understand it now, and know, 
" This life is but a stage ; " 

And every heart must play its part, . 
For which it was engaged. 



UNDYING LOVE. 99 

It may be bright and glorious ; 

It may be dim, yes, dark ! 
But, oh ! brave actors, let us strive 

To nobly play our part. 

Undying love ! undying love ! 

Oh ! little clouded star 
Set solitary ; not a gem 

That sparkles can thee mar. 

Shine thou alone within the heart, 

To all the world unknown ; 
And tint the face with smiles of love. 

For each and every one. 



-'■^AseA^*—^ 



100 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 




KING ALCOHOL. 

TEMPERANCE vs. INTEMPERANCE. 
TEMPERANCE. 

^HE stars and the stripes that so proudly doth 

wave 
'O'er this land of the free — this home of the 
brave, 
To-day does not see that a king on its throne, 
Is swaying the sceptre and wearing the crown. 

'Tis true that Great Britain no longer hath power, 
America's "braves" are its subjects no more; 
And Africa's sons are from bondage set free. 
But still we're o'erruled by a great enemy. 

This king in our midst is a tyrant unchained. 
Possessing a nature that can not be tamed ; 
More cruel and selfish than Shylock, we're told. 
He demanded the flesh — rejecting the gold. 



KING ALCOHOL. 101 

This "monster" demands the above and still more, 
It robs us of homes and those we adore ; 
Dear fathers, dear brothers, yes, sister also 
Are fettered — decoyed — by this terrible foe. 

INTEMPERANCE. 

You tell me Great Britain no longer hath power, 
America boasts of her freedom to soar 
On her wnngs " Independence, " fearing no gale, 
She mounts every wave, raising higher her sail. 

The star-spangled banner waves over our land, 
Proclaiming aloud, " we're a free, happy band ; " 
And still you contend that a king carries sway — 
Now, please sir, explain without further delay. 

TEMPERANCE. 

Great Britain no longer hath power, it is true, 
America boasts of her free, gallant crew ; 
The stars and the stripes their position doth keep; 
But, alas! we're in bondage, our nation doth weep. 

She's weeping in silence, she's weeping aloud, 
She's pleading with man, and she's crying to God 

7 



102 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

To dethrone the bold monarch, her natives set free, 
And bid them shout, Victory! America's free! 

You wished me to tell you the name of this king, 
This soulless creator of murder and sin, 
It bears many names, I shall not repeat all, 
But the principal one — "Old King Alcohol." 

INTEMPERANCE. 

Well, such an excitement for you to create. 
Why, I certainly thought that death was my fate ; 
'Tis quite a relief, now I know you're in "fun," 
I boldly declare I'm the subject of rum. 




YOURS TRULY. 103 



YOURS TRULY. 



^^^I^AREWELL, my dear reader, 
^jj^l Farewell for a time ; 
(S^Tir^^Vs J hope you're not weary 
Of my little rhyme. 
In simplicity true, 

Sincere and unveiled, 
I've partly succeeded, 
Though eloquence failed. 

Farew^ell, my dear sister, 

E'en though we've never met; 
The writer of these lines 

Please do not forget; 
Remember her often, 

Breathe one little prayer 
That God will bless Annie, 

Alone in her chair. 

Farewell, my dear brother, 

God bless you, I pray. 
And cheer you with hopes that 

Are brighter than day; 
And give you a work that 

Is noble and true. 
And may you prove faithful. 

Whatever you do. 



104 SIMPLICITY UNVEILED. 

Farewell, dear young soldiers 

Of Christ's purchased band, 
Farewell, but we'll meet in 

Yon heavenly land; 
Our Captain is waiting, 

March forward in love; 
Adieu, gallant warriors, 

I'll meet you above. 

Farewell at our parting, 

But, oh ! when we meet, 
Hosanna ! oh ! rapture, 

We'll shout as we greet 
Our loved ones, our darlings — 

God gave us to love. 
Forever and ever. 

Oh ! wonderous love ! 

i Farewell, little volume, 

So simple but true; 
Go tell all God's people — 

And poor sinners, too — 
The heart that you came from 

Is childlike and free. 
And ask them to pray for 

Yours truly, Annie. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 165 892 3 



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